About

Facilitate easy stow of a bicycle by upgrading to a new Zenstem assembly. The rotating handlebar stem that can be mounted to a standard bicycle front fork assembly that equips riders with space saving capabilities for their bike storage needs. The stem is provided with a mechanism for rotating the bicycle handlebar in 30 degree increments from a horizontal to vertical position and even 360 degrees. The user may actuate the fitted quick release (QR) stem clamp to pivot and lock the handlebars in either the riding or stowing positions. Perfect for the bicycle enthusiast or space saving devotee.

THE PROBLEM

In a hunt for a stow-able handle bar product we found that it wasn't readily available as we hoped. With money in our hand and looking to purchase such an item we ended up being turned away because the product wasn’t being produced or we failed to get a response after our acknowledgment of our interest.
We decided to design our own stow-able handlebar product. After a few prototypes, feedback from bike shops and potential future customers the Zenstem is born. We believe that bike ownership isn’t only about time spent on the bike, the ride or performance. It is also about making bike ownership more enjoyable when we are off the bike and making it easier people to own a bike under limited space.

THE DESIGN

We believe the tactile feedback of a mechanism is very important part of building products. The pivoting action of the stem feels sturdy and snaps into riding or stowing positions with certainty. The rider can feel the rigidity of clamping down and locking down the stem in position.

Our intention is to create a quality product which was achieved using precision CNC machining and 6061 T6 anodized aluminum. It can be installed the same was as with any other standard bike stem using an M5 socket key over a 1.125" diameter fork steerer and fitting a standard 1.25” diameter handlebar mount. The finished product weighs under 1lb.

HINGE-LESS FOR A PEACE OF MIND

Why have a hinge? We thought the most obvious function of its design was to have the pivoting action along the axis of the stem. Even though a hinge can designed in a safe manner not having one eliminates any thought of compromise that may happen to such a mechanism. No hinge, no buttons, no problem.

THE TEST

Along with physical testing of the Zenstem on our favorite mountain trails. We used the latest Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulation techniques to make sure we created a device that is not only safe but sturdy and robust.

EASY TO USE

Actuate the QR clamp

Lift the stem

Turn to desired angle

Release, it will automatically snap into position

Close the QR Clamp

Enjoy!

A HIDDEN GEM

The Zenstem is more than just a bike stem. Looking very much like a bike stem that can be found on a standard mountain bike which we know and love packed with an intuitive yet simple mechanism, all without sacrificing safety and functionality.

THE BIKE HACK

For some, the thought of being able stow a handle bar might have not crossed our minds. For Zenstem owners, forgetting to be cautious when opening the car door inside the garage or forgetting the need to dodge handlebars inside an apartment has never felt better. Reduce the abuse of your bike when strangers knock your handlebars as they pass by. Reduce the fight of entanglement at the populated bike racks. Also great for those commuters who take their bikes on public transit. A useful addition for bike tour operators, who must transport many bicycles in a vehicle to and from the tour site. Once you own a Zenstem you can’t live without one.

THE MINDFUL LIFESTYLE

We hope that our Zenstem owners are conscious about preserving the use and functionality of our stems. We anticipate the high quality machining and materials will last a very long time. We encourage bike owners who trade in their bikes or get a new bike to refit and reuse the Zenstem.

WHO ARE WE?

Mike Sutherland, P.Eng, President of Zennen Engineering Inc.

Lauren Giang, C.E.T, Vice President of Zennen Engineering Inc.

We are an engineering and design team with 35+ combined years of experience who have worked with hundreds of clients in our engineering consulting business. We have developed various intricate products with complex mechanical linkages for the industrial industry. We are very familiar with working with metals including machining, manufacturing processes and strength of materials. We’ve developed so much for our clients over the years, we thought it was about time we developed something of our own. This is why we need your help to launch this product and eventually bring the Zenstem to a commercial wide available item.

WHY BACK US?

Besides the fact that we’re good guys, and we endeavor to provide backers with a product that they will truly love and use, that will enhance their life. We want to give our customers a product that will give them a peace of mind in their riding experience and that can be done by at least making the bike more portable. We’re not aiming to change the dynamics of the bike. It will ride the way it rides with both this stem or any other stem but it will enable the rider to store that bike in a lot more places then they would normally be able to. It’s a product that we’ve designed with the consumer market in mind. It’s a fun and practical product that we think will enhance the biking experience of just about any rider.

Risks and challenges

We are no strangers to adversity in the engineering and design world. Getting the job done is our profession. If for any reason there are any unforeseen obstacles in fullfulling this project we definitely have developed a roster of relationships over many years that can help us though any possible obstacles we may encounter. We only use manufacturers we know and trust. We will keep a close eye throughout the entire process ourselves. We will do our best to keep our backers informed and excited for what's to come with an amazing product.